How to Get into A tough University?

Question

By tough, i mean Like Oxbridge and Cambridge.

I was wondering becuase i am trying to decide what universities to goto when i apply for them next year. I am currently doing my AS levels Being Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biology. And i do A number of extra curricular activites. DoE Gold, Scouting, Gym, Dog Agility, Volenteering at loal charity shop.

But i wanted to know realistically how to increase my chance of getting into the best posible uniersity i can get into.

I am looking to do Electronical or Civil Engineering.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And what other people did in order to get into their university.

Thank you.

This is the UK Oxford and Cambridge. As I am british and thats where i will be studying.

Answer 1

You seem to have classes covered and I'm sure you already know to keep your GPA at a high level, preferably weighted 4.0 or up. However, remember that GPA is not the only important part of your application. SAT/ACT and SAT IIs are also very important. Take test prep classes (online or in person) for the major test -- choose SAT or ACT, the tests are different and it's best not to work on both simultaneously. Take SAT IIs for subjects in which you excell and are interested in pursuing; get the test prep books for your chosen subjects.

With regards to extracurrics, focus on one primarily and excell, rather than spreading yourself among many different activities; devote much time and energy to the one on which you choose to focus. (this does not mean you should give up your other extracurrics, just allot time accordingly).

If your high school does not offer one, begin to work with a college counselor. Even if your high school does offer one, you might want to look into college counselors who have high success rate.

When you get to writing your application, write an essay that truly expresses yourself. Don't provide "sob stories" or the like, simply write from experience, not seeking sympathy of the reader. Ask people who know you well to proofread your essay to make sure it sounds like you; ask your english teacher to proofread it to make sure to eliminate syntactical, spelling, and grammatical errors.

Keep calm and don't leave your applications to the last minute. Review them before submitting them to make sure you are giving the college the right impression. Whenever possible, have interviews with your colleges; this allows the college to get a true sense of your personality, which can often be misconstrued on paper, as well as allows you to emphasize your strengths.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Once you reach the highest level of grades and extracurriculars and whatnot, you join an elite group of applicants that are qualified to go to any school. Unfortunately, there are about 20,000 of you and only a few thousand spots. You are the kind of person that those Universities will accept, it just comes down to whether or not you get lucky. So pray a lot and maybe buy yourself a good luck charm. The college application process is a tough time.

Answer 3

Give a very large endowment to the University.